The Anambra Police Command has announced that members of state vigilance operatives, hunters, and other quasi-security outfits are prohibited from participating in security duties for Saturday’s by-election. The directive was issued in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on friday in Awka.
Ikenga quoted the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Godwin Eze, who is the supervisory officer in charge of security for the elections, as saying that only duly accredited security personnel would be permitted to take part in the polls. This is in line with a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
The move is intended to ensure a unified and disciplined security operation for the election, preventing potential conflicts or security breaches that could arise from the involvement of unauthorized groups.
This video shows a previous rally in Anambra for a governorship bid.
“Consequently, all vigilance operatives, hunters, and other quasi-security outfits are strictly prohibited from any form of engagement during the exercise,” Ikenga stated.
He added that in order to ensure safe and hitch-free elections, there shall be restrictions on vehicular movement from 6am to 6pm in the affected areas throughout the election period.
According to him, the areas include Nnewi North and South, Orumba North and South, Ekwusigo, Aguata and Ihiala Local Government Areas (LGAs), for the Anambra South Senatorial District.
Other areas include Onitsha North Constituency 1, as well as Awka South LGA.
The police spokesman explained that the restriction was a proactive measure to deter criminal activities, reduce the risk of electoral violence, and guarantee the safety of voters, electoral officials, and security personnel.
The command assured residents of its readiness to safeguard the electoral process, while urging citizens to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security personnel deployed for the exercise.
He advised the public to call the AIG on 08023407772, command’s control room on 07039194332 and the PPRO on 08039334002 for complaints or emergency during the exercise.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that INEC scheduled the two by-elections to fill the vacancies created by the death of Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah of the Young Progressives Party (Anambra South) and Mr Justice Azuka of the Labour Party (Onitsha North State Constituency.
